Yes, sure , you are right about the protected ranking. I would like another top 50 finish and you need about 950-1000 points . JC has 340 points in the race so far

Of course the higher ranking he finishes the season, the better, and like you I hope he'll end the seaon in top 50.
But it's nice to know that even if his ranking slumps further, he doesn't have to ask for WCs to enter tournaments as long as he has protected ranking.